steer clear of crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving tricky crossword clues. Here you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for "steer clear of crossword clue" to help you complete your puzzle with ease. We provide solutions across various word lengths, ensuring you always find the perfect fit.
Solutions for "steer clear of crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SHUN: To persistently avoid, ignore, or reject someone or something, often out of antipathy or caution.
5 Letters
AVOID: To keep away from or prevent from happening, often a direct synonym for the clue.
EVADE: To escape or avoid someone or something, especially by cunning or skill.
DODGE: To avoid someone or something by a sudden quick movement, implying a physical act of avoidance.
6 Letters
ESCHEW: To deliberately avoid using; to abstain from, often implying a moral or principled avoidance.
More About "steer clear of crossword clue"
"Steer clear of" is a common idiom that signifies avoidance, circumvention, or abstention. In the world of crosswords, clues based on this phrase often require a synonym that fits a specific number of letters. The challenge lies in identifying which particular nuance of avoidance the puzzle setter intends. For instance, "shun" implies social avoidance, while "dodge" suggests a physical or agile act of evasion.
Understanding the context of the puzzle can be key. Is it a general knowledge puzzle, a wordplay-heavy cryptic, or a straightforward quick crossword? The style of the puzzle can hint at whether the answer will be a simple, direct synonym like AVOID, or a more sophisticated word like ESCHEW. Always consider the surrounding letters already filled in, as they are your best guides to narrowing down the possibilities.
Our goal at Crosswordanswer.co.uk is to provide you with all possible solutions, along with their meanings, to help you not only solve the current puzzle but also expand your vocabulary and improve your crossword-solving skills for future challenges.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "steer clear of," consider the subtle differences between synonyms. Does the clue imply physical avoidance, social avoidance, or a deliberate abstention?
- Count Your Letters: Always double-check the required letter count. This is the most crucial constraint in crosswords and immediately eliminates many potential answers.
- Check Intersecting Words: The letters from solved intersecting words are invaluable. They act as anchors, confirming or ruling out potential solutions and guiding you towards the correct answer.
- Think of Phrasal Verbs: Sometimes "steer clear of" might be part of a phrasal verb or idiom, which can lead to answers that aren't single words, though for this specific clue, single-word synonyms are most common.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'steer clear of' mean in a crossword clue context?
In crosswords, 'steer clear of' typically means to avoid, shun, or keep away from something or someone. The answer will be a synonym of these actions, fitting the required letter count.
How can I find synonyms for avoidance in crosswords?
When a clue suggests avoidance, think of words like AVOID, SHUN, ESCHEW, EVADE, DODGE, FORGO, BYPASS. Consider the number of letters required and the specific nuance of the clue. Sometimes, the answer might be less common, like 'ESCHEW'.
What if my answer for 'steer clear of' doesn't fit?
If your chosen answer doesn't fit the grid, re-evaluate the exact meaning of the clue. Crosswords often use synonyms with subtle differences. Check the surrounding letters you already have filled in, as they will limit the possibilities and guide you to the correct word.